The Associated Church Press (ACP) recognized nine Lutheran publications with awards for features, theological reflections, news stories, design, humor, and websites at its annual banquet, held in Chicago on May 2. Metro Lutheran received four honors, its highest number of awards in a single year.

Laura Mann was recognized with an “Honorable Mention” (third place) for her contributions to the column “Imagine That!,” which appears on the Positive Parenting page of Metro Lutheran each month.

Mark Granquist also received “Honorable Mention” for the “Faithful and Reforming” regular column he edits, and often writes, in the category of “Reporting and Writing: In-depth Coverage.”

Finally, Metro Lutheran was awarded “Honorable Mention” in the “Best in Class” category. Metro Lutheran competed against all regional newspapers for this award.

“The board of Metro Lutheran is proud of the paper’s strong showing with the Associated Church Press this year,” said the Rev. Dick Stadler, pastor of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church (independent) and Metro Lutheran board chair. “We strive to offer a strong product, and these recognitions affirm that effort.”